Memorial service held for former Santa Maria city councilman

Posted: Dec 4, 2009 10:05 PM by Ariel Wesler
Updated: Dec 4, 2009 10:05 PM

Friends and family gather in Orcutt to remember former city council member, Leo Trujillo.

A memorial service was held this morning at the Saint Louis de Montfort church. More than 100 people paid their respects to Trujillo. The 76-year-old served on the Santa Maria city council for eight years.

After moving to Santa Maria in 1998, it took trujillo just two years to get elected to the city council. Those who knew him say he was an inspiration to many in his community, always putting others before himself, and will be dearly missed.

This is the final resting place for a man who spent his final years serving the community he loved.

We rejoice because we knew him," the reverend said.

and almost everyone did. Friends say 76-year old Leo Trujillo was no stranger to the community.

"He was the kind of guy you were proud to call your friend. He welcomed you with a handshake and a big smile and often asked, 'How's it going my friend?', said Santa Maria Mayor Larry Lavagnino.

Trujillo volunteered his time to more than a dozen organizations around town. Friends say he never let anything get in his way. He was the oldest of eight brothers and his accomplishments amazed even his closest family members.

"From what I heard today, I heard a lot more than I realized he had done from the mayor and his friends. That was leo. He produced and he did what he wanted to do. He was an inspiration," said Charles Trujillo, Leo's brother.

From next door neighbors, like the legendary actress Jane Russell, to fellow naval servicemen, Trujillo touched the lives of so many people, including his wife Eileen of 45 years.

"This just means so much to me that he has such a wonderful send off. He was such a wonderful man. I'm so glad I met him and I can't believe my good luck in meeting such a gem," his wife said.

A gem whose value is priceless.

To give you an idea of the lives he's impacted, a representative from Assemblyman Sam Blakesley's office even showed up at the reception to read a state resolution honoring the memory of Leo Trujillo.

Trujillo was laid to rest at the Santa Maria cemetery this afternoon.